The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed on 13 October. It encourages people and governments to participate in building more resilient communities and nations. Governments and communities also take part in the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction through various events such as drawing, drama, essay or photography competitions that focus on making people aware of natural disaster reduction and increasing their preparedness for such situations.

2015 Theme: Knowledge for Life

The focus of this year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction is on the traditional, indigenous and local knowledge which complement modern science and add to an individual’s and societies’ resilience.

SENDAI Declaration

Sendai declaration is related to Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDRR).

It has outlined the seven global targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. They are,

1. Substantial reduction in global disaster mortality.
2. Substantial reduction in numbers of affected people
3. Reduction in economic losses in relation to global GDP
4. Substantial reduction in disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, including health and education facilities
5. An increase in the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020
6. Enhanced international cooperation
7. Increased access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments.